Arsenal & Newcastle begins midfielder swap-deal talks as Mikel Arteta told Edu to splash £60m on new striker
Arsenal may now struggle to take another of their players away from Newcastle, as the Mags apparently want Emile Smith Rowe.
The Toon are said to be looking at Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale as an opportunity to strengthen their squad in January.
Eddie Howe has seen his team ravaged by injuries this season. Those injuries and a suspension for Sandro Tonali mean he now faces a busy January.
According to The Athletic, Newcastle are now also interested in another Arsenal player, Emile Smith Rowe.
Newcastle want to sign Arsenal midfielder Emil Smith Rowe
According to the newspaper, Newcastle have long admired Smith Rowe and have been watching him for some time.
Eddie Howe is said to be keen to bring in another forward if he can. However, it is said to be difficult to get a deal for an attacking midfielder.
Newcastle have to stay within the strict FFP rules and, having spent heavily in recent windows, they need to balance the books a little.
Furthermore, the likelihood of not qualifying for the Champions League next season is now higher than ever, which has an impact on that spending.
Smith Rowe, who was disliked at Arsenal, may have to wait for the Toon for now.
Smith Rowe would be good for Howe
At St James’ Park, we saw the Newcastle boss get some top performances out of Anthony Gordon and other players.
Given that, I would have to think he would have done well with someone like Smith Rowe.
Smith Rowe, who was recently hailed by Danny Cowley as an “incredible” talent, doesn’t get regular game time at Arsenal and seems to lack confidence.
He appeared briefly on the pitch last night but didn’t do much. So a move could well turn him into a real player.
If Newcastle have the resources to somehow get this over the line, then it’s certainly something that would be smart January business.
Isak to Arsenal
Arsenal are reportedly interested in Newcastle United striker Alexandre Isco again, sources close to FootballTransfers have revealed.
Although there is no confirmation of an imminent January move, Arsenal’s team, including Mikel Arteta and technical director Edu, are monitoring the Swedish striker, who is known from his time playing for Real Sociedad and Borussia Dortmund.
Isak, who joined Newcastle in a deal worth up to £63 million, has enjoyed success in the Premier League, scoring 19 goals in 37 games so far.
Arsenal have already tried to sign Isak in the summer of 2022 to reunite him with his former Sociedad teammate Martin Odegaard. However, concerns about his release clause meant that it was too high and he moved to Newcastle.
Interest in Isak dates back to 2016, when Arsenal saw him as a potential transfer from AIK Solna.
The report claims that due to problems with FFP, Arsenal’s potential transfer would probably happen in the summer, while Newcastle’s sporting director Dan Ashworth admits that the club will have to sell some players.
Isak is under contract with the Magpies until 2028 and is expected to earn around £120,000, making him the second highest paid player alongside Sandro Tonali and Kieran Trippier, but behind Bruno Guimaraes on £160,000.
